City report.

Developer, Stores Wanted For Parcel

December 03, 2000|By Jeanette Almada.

SOUTH SHORE — City officials are seeking big-box development proposals for 10 acres of mostly vacant land at 71st Street and Stony Island Avenue. The site is targeted for commercial and retail redevelopment. Department of Planning and Development officials will accept proposals for the land until Dec. 30.

The issuance of the request for proposals was approved by the Community Development Commission in mid-November.

The city wants a developer to buy and redevelop the property, located in a tax increment financing district that is also a high-traffic area, said Lisa Hope of the planning department. Several users have already expressed interest in the site, according to Hope. Ald. Leslie Harriston (5th) said Kmart and Home Depot are two big-box users that have said they would consider the site.

"I am looking for major retailers," said Harriston. "We'd need something like Bed Bath and Beyond, bookstores, garden centers and family-style restaurants. We want to see Stony Island developed similarly to areas around North Avenue and Clybourn or River Oaks in Calumet City, with a variety of goods and services.